Derby Theatre

Derby Theatre (previously Derby Playhouse) has a long and rich history of delivering high quality drama to audiences. Through Derby Theatre's unique partnership with the University of Derby, and as an Arts Council England National Portfolio organisation, the theatre has transformed from a traditional producing house, to an organisation of training, mentorship and artistic excellence.

https://www.derbytheatre.co.uk
https://www.derby.ac.uk

Led by Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Sarah Brigham, Derby Theatre is bringing together creative professionals and audiences to tell compelling stories and take artistic risks. For 2018 – 2022, Derby Theatre received a 59% increase in its funding from Arts Council England, to enable it to continue and build upon the valuable work that it has started. With the increase in funding, this will enable Derby Theatre to produce more home-grown, professional produced work, more community work, more work with children and young people and deeper, more meaningful engagement with audiences. 

Derby Theatre is a vibrant and thriving theatre. A producing house that combines its professional programme with an exciting suite of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as an emerging talent programme aimed at developing the next generation of artists. Meanwhile its community engagement programme reaches out across our region including people of all ages and from all backgrounds in the work of the theatre. 

In 2019, Derby Theatre, in partnership with an exciting and diverse range of partners and venues, also received (£1.5 million from Arts Council England Producing Hubs fund, and £1.1 million from Arts Council England Youth Performance Partnerships fund – a total of £2.6 million) to work to support and strengthen the performing arts sector in the local area to provide new opportunities for more children and young people, aged 8-18, to take part in high quality cultural activities. 

‘Increasingly the most crucial theatre in the region because of its emphasis on learning, nurturing and nourishing’ Lyn Gardner, The Guardian